New Delhi: The Union Ministry of Law and Justice has announced the appointments of Justice Sangam Kumar Sahooand Justice Mahesh Sharadchandra Sonak as the next Chief Justices of the Patna and Jharkhand High Courts, respectively. The notifications were issued on Friday and Saturday, following the recommendations of the Supreme Court Collegium and approval by President Droupadi Murmu.

Justice Sahoo to Patna High Court

Justice Sangam Kumar Sahoo, currently serving as a judge of the Orissa High Court, will assume charge as the 47th Chief Justice of the Patna High Court, though the exact date of his tenure commencement has not been specified in the notification. His appointment brings permanent leadership to the court, which has been functioning under acting Chief Justice Sudhir Singh. Notably, Justice Sahoo will be the fourth Chief Justice in Patna within the last year, highlighting the court’s recent administrative transitions.

Elevated from advocate to judge of the Orissa High Court on July 2, 2014, Justice Sahoo is recognised for his clarity in legal reasoning, well-articulated judgments, and consistency in decision-making. His appointment is expected to strengthen judicial administration at one of India’s oldest high courts, while contributing to efforts to reduce case backlogs and improve procedural efficiency.

Justice Sonak to Jharkhand High Court

Justice Mahesh Sharadchandra Sonak, presently a judge at the Bombay High Court, has been appointed as Chief Justice of the Jharkhand High Court and will formally take charge on January 8, 2026. Justice Sonak was elevated to the Bombay High Court on June 21, 2013, and is slated to retire on November 27, 2026, following the retirement age of 62 years for high court judges.

Justice Sonak’s experience and judicial acumen are expected to bring stability and efficiency to the Jharkhand High Court, aiding in streamlined case management and robust judicial oversight.

Significance of Appointments

Both appointments come at a crucial time for these high courts. The Patna High Court, one of the country’s oldest, has faced frequent changes in leadership, which has impacted administrative continuity. Justice Sahoo’s tenure is anticipated to bring stability and consistent leadership, facilitating effective adjudication and administrative reforms.

Meanwhile, Justice Sonak’s arrival at the Jharkhand High Court aims to enhance judicial capacity and provide leadership in the efficient handling of cases, ensuring that justice delivery remains timely and effective for the state.

These appointments underscore the Supreme Court Collegium’s role in selecting experienced judges for high court leadership positions, balancing the need for administrative stability with judicial experience. Both high courts will now have permanent heads to guide judicial processes, manage case backlogs, and uphold the rule of law.

With these new appointments, both Patna and Jharkhand High Courts are expected to witness smoother administration, enhanced procedural oversight, and strengthened delivery of justice in the coming months.